8 Kansas Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness

Kansas boasts many towns, and visitors passing through often get the sense that their residents are especially friendly and welcoming. Anyone who decides to stay in one of these towns for a while discovers that it has a lot to offer. Belleville hosts various events and provides public spaces encouraging people to come together. Fort Scott is passionate about its history and endeavors to share that passion with anyone willing to listen. Each of these towns proudly opens its doors and invites visitors to discover the secrets hidden inside.

Belleville

Belleville is a friendly little town just off US Highways 36 and 81 in north central Kansas. The town loves visitors, and its Chamber and Main Street associations work together to bring people in for events, shopping opportunities, and historical attractions. It is well known for Belleville High Banks, the "World's Fastest Half Mile Dirt Track," which hosts the annual 305 Sprint Nationals races. Other popular local events include Autumn Fest, featuring live music, great food, a car show, and activities for kids, and Christmas on the Square, a fun community Christmas celebration.

Those visiting Belleville are encouraged to check out the Art Deco style Republic County Courthouse, the retro Blair Center for the Arts, and the Republic County Historical Museum. The Belleville Municipal Swimming Pool, located in City Park, is a great place to cool off with friends and friendly locals in the summer. The Belleville Farmers Market provides a place to meet new people while shopping for local goods.

Cottonwood Falls

Cottonwood Falls is a beautiful town situated on Highway 177, aka the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, in east central Kansas. Surrounded by streams and rolling hills, its location in Kansas gives it a unique beauty that often draws visitors, and the town enjoys welcoming them with open arms. Its cute historic downtown district features brick-lined streets and plenty of local shops and restaurants, and there is always some event or other happening to bring the city to life. Emma Chase Friday Night Music events are free concerts held every other Friday downtown. The Chase County Fair, Flint Hills Parade and Rodeo, Chase County Christmas, and Fourth of July Celebration are all local events that bring visitors and locals together for food, music, and fun activities.

While in Cottonwood Falls, don't miss the Chase County Courthouse, a monolithic Victorian structure in the heart of town. Check out the All Veterans Memorial in Swope Park, visit preserved old buildings like the Cavalry Historic Barn or the 1879 Stone House, and take in the scenic beauty of Chase Lake Falls.

Council Grove

Council Grove is another pretty Kansas town situated along the Flint Hills Scenic Byway. Billing itself as the "Main Street of the Flint Hills," the town has a long history of welcoming visitors. Historically, it was a popular stop along the Santa Fe Trail, and many preserved homes and sites around town stand as testaments to the past. Visitors can tour the Last Chance Store, a free museum that once served as the last place to buy goods before leaving town. Other points of interest include the Post Office Oak Museum, on the site of an old tree where travelers would post messages as they passed through, and Hays House 1857, one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants west of the Mississippi River.

The town offers trolley rides as a great way for visitors to explore and learn more about area attractions. It also loves a good celebration, hosting many events throughout the year, most notably Washunga Days. This summer festival celebrates the town's history and community with a parade, live music, great food, a car show, a Kaw Nation powwow, and various other activities. Other events include the Council Grove Halloween Costume Parade and the Christmas-themed Holiday Charm.

Fort Scott

Fort Scott is a friendly town in southeast Kansas, steeped in history. Established on the site of an old military fort, the town was founded in 1842 and still maintains a well-preserved fort from that era as a historical site. The town itself is highly welcoming and friendly, offering a cute historical downtown with plenty of local spots to eat, shop, and stay, as well as various events and attractions. Visitors enjoy walking, driving, or trolley tours of the town, catching a show at the historic Liberty Theatre, and participating in outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and golfing.

Many events take place each year in Fort Scott, giving both locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the community together. The Bourbon County Fair features a full week of fun activities. The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta kicks off with a parade of old tractors and farm implements, and tractor pulls and demonstrations are big attractions at the two-day event. The Fort Scott Good Ol' Days incorporates parades, street dancing, and music into one memorable weekend.

Great Bend

Great Bend is a town in central Kansas where US Highways 56 and 281 intersect. Its friendly community offers plenty of opportunities for people to get together and have a good time. It hosts many annual events, such as Party in the Park, Fridays on Forest, the Big Bend Bash, and Christmas in Great Bend. Wetlands Waterpark is a popular spot for cooling off on a hot summer day, and the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo offers a great place for individuals and families to learn more about animals from around the world.

Those interested in auto racing can check out the SRCA Dragstrip, which hosts various racing events throughout the year. Outdoor recreation options are available at local parks and bodies of water, such as Stone Lake and the Arkansas River. Shop and dine at downtown businesses, and take a tour of the town to see its various sculptures, monuments, and murals.

Lindsborg

Lindsborg, also known as Little Sweden USA, is a town in central Kansas with a strong cultural heritage, as the area was originally settled by Swedish immigrants. The town maintains a strong connection to its past and enjoys sharing its heritage with visitors through area attractions and numerous events. Popular events include Svensk Hyllningsfest, a biennial festival to honor the town's original settlers, and the Midsummer's Festival, a traditional Swedish celebration featuring food, dancing, craft demonstrations, and more.

Lindsborg strives to make visitors feel welcome, whether they are visiting for an event, stopping in for a bite to eat, or planning to stay in town a while. Various museums and historical sites, such as the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum, offer more insight into the town's past and culture. Many local parks and walking trails provide opportunities to get out in nature, and the Lindsborg Swimming Pool and Lindsborg Golf Course bring people together for fun and relaxation.

Wamego

Wamego is a town in northeastern Kansas just north of a bend in the Kansas River. This friendly town has a particular affinity for The Wizard of Oz and enjoys sharing it with anyone who comes to town. The colorful Oz Museum gives visitors a look into the history of this classic story, from movie props and costumes to tidbits about the author, L. Frank Baum. Totos around Town, cute and artsy statues of Dorothy's pet dog, can be found, and an actual yellow-brick road leads through town, with beautiful murals along the way, providing a visual depiction of the story.

Aside from these attractions, Wamego is also focused on bringing people together and taking every opportunity to throw a celebration. There are many annual events in this town, from the famous Oztoberfest in October to the Symphony in the Park each summer. The spring Tulip Festival features beautiful flowers, crafts, vendors, music, and food, while Boomtown USA, the yearly Fourth of July celebration, provides a stunning fireworks show.

Winfield

Winfield lies about an hour southeast of Wichita along US Highways 77 and 160. The town features a beautiful historic downtown district with plenty of cute shops, restaurants, and places to stay. Winfield welcomes visitors each year for the Walnut Valley Festival, a music festival with contests, concerts, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The Walnut Valley Farmers Market, held throughout the summer months, provides an ongoing opportunity for locals and visitors to connect as they shop for locally grown and produced goods.

While in town, visitors can take walking and driving tours to explore various murals and historical locations. The Cowley County Historical Museum offers a glimpse into local history, while the Winfield Arts and Humanities Council features galleries and classes for art lovers. The Kansas Veterans Cemetery and Vietnam War Memorial are points of interest for those curious about local military history.

Explore Kansas' Friendliest Towns

Many of Kansas' small towns greet visitors with a friendly smile, and these towns can make excellent destinations for anyone looking for a relaxed, community-focused getaway. Whether it's Lindsborg's Swedish heritage or Wamego's love for The Wizard of Oz, these towns offer unique character and a sense of individuality that they love to share with visitors. Stopping in at any of these towns will give visitors a chance to slow down, take a deep breath, and feel welcome and at home.